Seacrest, who has hosted Dick Clark’s New Years Rockin’ Eve alongside Clark since 2006, gave a touching eulogy to his mentor, while providing a gentle reminder that the show must go on.

“We can’t begin tonight’s show without acknowledging the passing of a television pioneer and my dear friend, Dick Clark,” Seacrest said of Clark, who died of a massive heart attack at the age of 82.

“Without Dick, a show like this would not exist," said the host. "He will be missed greatly. Our thoughts and our prayers go out to his family. I know that he is in a better place saying, hey, let’s get on with the show. You got it boss.”